Israel, much like the fortress of Tel-Chai that Jospeh Trumpeldor fought to defend against Arab conquerors in 1920, finds itself beseiged by enemies both within and without. Terrorists, would-be friends inside and outside Israel, and even bad government officials. Here are the discussions of one proud Zionist resident on the state of the nation and abroad.

Abbas’s remarks drew sharp criticism from many Palestinians, including Hamas, who accused him of giving up the refugees’ “right of return.”

PA officials explained over the weekend that Abbas’s position regarding the refugees had not changed.

“The position of the Palestinian leadership remains fixed,” said Nabil Abu Rudaineh, a spokesman for Abbas. “The refugees and the right of return are among the final-status issues that will be negotiated with the Israelis. We are committed to the Palestinian principles as endorsed by the Palestine National Council [the PLO’s parliament-in-exile].”

[...] Abu Rudaineh said that the interview with Channel 2 was aimed at “affecting Israeli public opinion.”

In other words, they were employing taqqiya and hoping the Israeli public would buy it all within an instant.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responded to Abbas' clarifications, saying that the Palestinian president had tried to deceive the Israeli public in his interview with Channel 2.

"I watched President Abbas' interview, and have heard that since then he's already managed to go back on his words," said Netanyahu. "This only underscores the importance of direct negotiations without preconditions."

Netanyahu also told ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem that he was ready to sit down for negotiations with Abbas as soon as the latter wanted. "Ramallah is seven minutes away, and I am ready to begin negotiations today."

Lieberman, too, dismissed Abbas' clarifications: "What's important is what Abu Mazen [Abbas] tells his own people in Arabic, and not what he tells the Israeli public in English."

At the cabinet meeting, Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar echoed criticism that Abbas was attempting to interfere in elections: "This isn't the first time the Palestinians have done this," he said.

Nor will it be the last. The main problem is the PLO's adherence to the Religion of Peace, and so long as they go by it, they'll continue on that brain-insulting path.

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About me

I'm Avi Green

From Jerusalem, Israel

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best.